Texas House Bill HB644

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 12/19/16

Caption

Relating to criminal liability for certain federal motor carrier safety regulation violations; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

The implementation of HB 644 modifies existing laws by imposing stricter penalties for specific violations related to federal motor carrier safety regulations. A key aspect of this bill is the categorization of offenses: violations resulting in an accident that causes injury or death are escalated to a felony, reflecting the bill's intent to deter unsafe practices and enhance accountability among commercial vehicle operators. By augmenting the legal repercussions for non-compliance, the bill is expected to contribute to the overall safety of road transportation in Texas.

Summary

House Bill 644 addresses criminal liability for violations of federal motor carrier safety regulations, specifically establishing a new offense for knowingly operating a commercial motor vehicle in violation of out-of-service orders. The bill updates Section 644.151 of the Transportation Code by altering the classification of offenses connected to these violations, thus aiming to enhance the enforcement of safety standards and ensure better adherence to federal regulations. This approach signifies a more stringent legal framework to govern the safety practices of commercial vehicle operators and owners.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 644 appears to be supportive among lawmakers and safety advocates who argue that the bill is a necessary step toward improving road safety and compliance with federal standards. Proponents highlight that more rigorous penalties will promote responsible behavior among commercial vehicle operators, potentially reducing the occurrence of accidents. However, there may be some concerns about the feasibility of enforcement and the implications for operators who inadvertently violate regulations.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its implications on safety, there are potential points of contention regarding its enforcement and the burden it could place on operators. Critics may argue that increasing penalties could disproportionately affect smaller operators or those who may lack the resources to ensure full compliance with complex regulation. Thus, the bill's emphasis on criminal liability raises questions about how it balances safety enforcement with the practical realities faced by commercial vehicle businesses in Texas.